off grid solar recommendations and costing

[Chelle]

hello all , I am hoping for some idea on what off grid solar is worth for an family of 8 and recommedations on reputable companies in western Victoria ? thank you

 

[Southernscotty]

Hello Chelle and welcome to CF :]
I do not know of any solar related companies away from here so I am afraid I cannot help there.
"Panels and such change yearly and keep getting better and better"
God bless and enjoy the off grid :]

 

[συνείδησις]

If you don't mind me asking, I'm curious how you're faring in S. Oz with electricity? I've heard horror stories about the unreliability of the electric grid since they blew up their last coal plant and are going renewable.

 

[drjean]

Sorry, only know of a few here in States. But I'd start with what your needs are... there are charts on the internet that will tell you what each appliance requires (more at start up than running) and you add it up....

Growing up in the 1950s the house had solar panels on the roof and that is how dad/mom heated the well water for showers and dishwashing. I'm a believer and will add maybe 2 100s portable for my van use when off grid in woods and not wanting to run generator.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

In SC they have a program for getting set up on solar power.
Here you can go on the cheap and buy from Harbor Freight. For a few hundred bucks you can get some panels and small equipment. Ultimately you will need to buy some high quality batteries... else all is for naught. 10 good 12 volt batteries that will charge quickly and hold the charge for a couple days in the event of low sun. Today's advancement in solar panels allow for changing even on a cloudy day.
Do not plan on running your house business as usual. We plan on keeping or freezer going and a same frig. We have solar chargers for our electronic devices, and there are solar powered lamps for your yard that can be used indoors. Not good for reading.. but good for not bumping into the furniture.
Sorry... not much help here. We are looking at the situation here also!

 

[drjean]

Don't buy into the offers of cheap/free solar power from cities etc. This is a ploy to control the entire population. I think I posted about it elsewhere on this forum.

In FL years ago they offered huge discounts for putting whole-house solar on... and they said they would buy any excess power you generated IF you also hooked into their system. A few years later they insisted that you MUST hook into the system officially (smart meters included) for your safety and the safety of the power company. Then they offered everyone those smart meters... optional. Now you MUST have a smart meter. Also, if you have any solar you MUST be connected to the grid AND you will pay the power company for excess that you generate! ALSO you WILL NOT be allowed to use your solar power after a disaster (HELLO?) or when the grid goes down. Did you read that right? YES. THEY WILL CONTROL your use of solar and you will not have access to it when YOU need it to survive... NWO folks.